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About Me

My name is April, I'm married to Clay, a very tall, very funny architect. He's the city boy and I'm the country girl but together we are turning into homesteading weirdos. We have four kids that we are trying our darndest to raise loving God and His creation. To know us is to laugh with us, we laugh a lot. Especially at each other.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Ramone passed away yesterday. We will miss him terribly. I sure wish we would have had just a couple more years with him or even one more summer.

I loved looking outside to see Ramone working in the yard or talking to his 'kids' which is what he called his cows. "Here kids!" he'd call when he had a treat for them. Last summer he saved some pears in several five gallon buckets and would yell, "Bucket Kids, BUCKET!" and those darn cows would come running across the field to get a pear from him.

Many days I would look over to see him sitting on his milk crates waiting for the water tanks to be filled, that's when I had the best conversations with him. He told me about the families that had lived in my house and about the land around our homes and the railroad that used to run through his property. He told me about serving in the war and sailing with the Navy. He told me how he was the first Mexican American to graduate from the local high school. Ramone told great stories.

Ramone had a habit of leaving things in a certain place that seemed befitting. Those two tractors, empty, still, but in that one spot together they were just right. Now those milk crates will sit there empty and still, but in just the right spot to remind me of sweet Ramone.

62 comments:

Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear of Ramone's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Please give his wife (and his girls?) a big hug for us. It's come to feel like Ramone is our neighbor through your stories.

Oh I have been comming by for an update on the Ruggered yetsof faced old man you knew as Ramone.I felt like I knew him and the string and things you posted on he repaired fences and things with.May he rest in peace and Love and prayers to his wife and friend.

Oh... I am so sorry for y'all and especially for his wife. I know that you will be checking on her and making sure she is okay. I'm sure Ramone would appreciate that. How wonderful that you got to know him and he got to share his stories with you.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this sweet man who touched so many thru you blog . He may have not known how many people loved reading about him and his wife but he will . God bless his family and yours with peace and knowledge of knowing many people are lifting you up in our prayers.

April, so sorry for the loss of a wonderful neighbor and friend. Much love is going out to you guys and especially Virginia. She sounds like she's a terrific lady, but it sounds like she might really need your family in the coming months a bit more than the tough little thing will ever admit!

I echo the words and sentiments of so many here. I love that picture of Ramone, as it seems to capture so well your descriptions and stories. He was and is well loved. Will be praying for Ramone and all who loved him.

I don't leave comments, but your blog is a part of my day - everyday - along with all of the wonderful characters in your life. I've been dreading to read this sad news - felt like I knew it was coming. Such a sad day. I'm sorry for you and his family.

I know there will be such a hole in your heart where he had a special place. I have tears in my eyes as if I knew him too.

My sweet buddy neighbor who was 87 passed away two years ago and I still miss sitting with her on her porch (although she was a little dingy that last year, she always welcomed me and laughed with me).

So sorry to hear this news. I gasp when I read it and my husband asked, What's wrong? I told him Ramone died and he looked at he like he didn't know me. I hope Ramone is celebrating in heaven today. Will include his wife and family and your family in our prayers tonight at church.

April, I started reading your post on the day you and the cows were sad, and just now was checking in...your tribute to Ramone is so moving, I feel like I know him. His family is blessed having him for a husband and father. I'm so glad you were able to know him, but saddened by his passing. Thoughts and prayers to his family and yours.Dawn